2021-22 LQ Legislative Policy GuideCity of La Quinta
CITY COUNCIL MEETING: June 1, 2021
STAFF REPORT
AGENDA TITLE: APPROVE 2021 LEGISLATIVE POLICY GUIDE UPDATES
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the Legislative Policy Guide updates and authorize the Mayor, one
Council Member, and City Manager to issue letters within the scope of these
policies.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
•The updated 2021 Legislative Policy Guide (Guide) (Attachment 1)
presents the Council’s position on proposed legislation and allows the
City to weigh in on legislative matters that may impact the City.
•The Guide has been updated to incorporate legislative proposals that
surfaced this calendar year and includes proposed legislation that would
impact the City in areas such as transportation, public works,
community development, public safety, COVID-19 recovery and the
environment.
•The Guiding Principles presented in the Guide serve as the Council’s
direction on pending legislation and enable staff to immediately respond
to proposed legislation in a timely matter.
FISCAL IMPACT – None.
BACKGROUND/ANALYSIS
The legislative landscape is constantly changing, producing pending legislation
that may impact the City’s ability to conduct business and provide services.
The Guide enables the City to have a voice on emerging issues and allows
staff to take immediate action on pressing legislation. Current issues before
the legislature that may impact the City are:
•Senate Housing Package comprised of SB 5 (Atkins) Affordable Housing
Bond Act of 2022, SB 6 (Caballero) The Neighborhood Homes Act, SB
7 (Atkins) The Housing + Jobs Expansion & Extension Act, SB 8
(Skinner) Housing Crisis Act of 2019, SB 9 (Atkins) California Housing
Opportunity & More Efficiency (HOME) Act, and SB 10 (Wiener) Planning
and Zoning: Density. This package is designed to assist with
BUSINESS SESSION ITEM NO. 3
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development of the forecasted need of 1.8 million new homes by 2025,
with each bill having a goal of adding to housing production in the state.
•SB 45 (Portantino) Wildfire Prevention, Safe Drinking Water, Drought
Preparation, and Flood Protection Bond Act of 2022: authorizes the
issuance of bonds in the amount of $5,595,000,000 to finance projects
for wildfire prevention, safe drinking water, drought preparation, and
flood protection program.
•AB 1397 (Garcia) Public Contracts: California Lithium Economy Act: The
bill would require an awarding authority, by January 1, 2025, to require
the successful bidder for a contract that includes electric vehicles to be
provided as part of that contract, to disclose the sources of lithium used
in the manufacture of the electric vehicles’ batteries. The bill would also
require, by January 1, 2035, that at least 35% of the lithium used in
electric vehicle batteries pursuant to a contract under the act be
produced in California. The Salton Sea Known Geothermal Resource
Area is home to the largest deposits of lithium in North America, with
the potential to supply more than one-third of worldwide lithium
demand, according to experts. Accelerating lithium development at the
Salton Sea Known Geothermal Resource Area could anchor a domestic
battery supply chain. Developing lithium from the Salton Sea Known
Geothermal Resources Area could also enable the creation of numerous
revenue streams from California’s enormous purchasing power.
•AB 1021 (Mayes) Imperial Irrigation District: This bill would require the
membership of the board of directors of the Imperial Irrigation District
to increase from 5 to 6 members, with the additional director being a
nonvoting member with all of the other rights as the existing directors
and meeting certain qualifications. Additionally, would require the
commissions for the County of Imperial and the County of Riverside to
conduct and publish on their internet websites a joint study of voting
rights in the Imperial Irrigation District, options for providing electricity
in the Imperial Irrigation District, and options for alternative
governance structures for the Imperial Irrigation District board of
directors, as specified.
•COVID-19 Related Legislation: The Governor’s proposed 2021-22 State
Budget contains several provisions that would provide relief for
businesses and residents as the recovery from the pandemic continues.
Of the $227.2 billion budget, several billion is set aside for project
homekey, small business grants, non-profit cultural institution grants,
vaccine administration assistance, and a stimulus program for low-
income workers.
The Guide presents the policies that guide the City’s legislative advocacy
initiatives which include: enhance local authority, sustain fiscal responsibility,
foster economic development, promote health and wellness, support public
safety, and encourage preservation of the environment. 262
In addition, the Guide provides an overview of important legislative
developments arising in 2021 and connects them to emerging trends in our
area. It also itemizes the Council’s policy position on key legislative areas
such as economic development, finance, transportation, and public safety
among others.
The City receives informational updates on legislative efforts through a variety
of channels, including the League of California Cities, City lobbyist Gonsalves
and Son, and the City Attorney. Gonsalves and Sons provide weekly phone
and email updates with staff, monthly summaries, and Legislative Reports
with an overview of each bill and current status.
ALTERNATIVES
As the Legislative Guide is a resource for both Council and Staff to expedite
responses on legislative matters, staff does not recommend an alternative.
Prepared by: Doug Kinley III, Management Specialist
Approved by: Gilbert Villalpando, Assistant to City Manager
Attachment: 1. Legislative Policy Guide 2021
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A T T A C H M E N T 1
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2 0 2 1 L E G I S L A T I V E
P O L I C Y G U I D E
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The Legislative Policy Guide (Guide ) is a tool for the City to navigate
through the legislative landscape . This document details the City ’s policy
positions on priority issues and provides a comprehensive approach to
allow staff to take immediate action on pressing legislation under City
Council direction . The guide identifies legislative trends and active
legislation that may have an impact on the City ’s interests and affairs and
supplements other Council -established goals and policies . It is intended to
be updated on a regular basis .
I. ENHANCE LOCAL AUTHORITY
The City of La Quinta is a charter city that supports legislation aimed at
preserving local authority . Additional regulations or mandates that undermine
local control are detrimental to quality service delivery .
II. SUSTAIN FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
The City of La Quinta has been able to successfully maneuver through
redevelopment dissolution and economic downturn through prudent , disciplined
spending and cost -effective stewardship of City resources . Therefore , the City
supports measures that promote fiscal stability .
III. FOSTER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
The City of La Quinta generally supports legislative efforts designed to foster
economic development tools and funding options for effective service delivery .
IV. PROMOTE PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELLNESS
The City of La Quinta actively seeks to promote a healthy and vibrant community
that provides various recreational activities and opportunities for residents to
enjoy the unique benefits of La Quinta .
V. SUPPORT PUBLIC SAFETY
The City of La Quinta strongly supports community safety by providing high -
quality law enforcement and fire services and maintaining health and safety
standards for its residents .
VI. ENCOURAGE PRESERVATION OF ENVIRONMENT
The City of La Quinta is a thriving desert oasis that supports a proactive and
thoughtful stance regarding the enhancement and conservation of the desert
environment that surrounds us including the Salton Sea .
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L E G I S L A T I O N
I M P A C T I N G U S
The public policy landscape is constantly changing , and it is incumbent on
the City to stay up to date on the latest developments . Anticipating the
effects emergent legislation may have on the community is therefore
imperative . Below is a short outline of impact in key areas .
GOVERNOR NEWSOM'S ZERO-EMISSION 2023 EXECUTIVE
ORDER N-79-20
In September 2020 , the Governor announced an executive order that
directs the State to require that , by 2035 , all new cars and passenger trucks
sold in California be zero -emission vehicles . Transportation currently
accounts for more than 50 percent of California ’s Greenhouse Gas
Emissions . The order also directs the State to take more actions to look at
transitioning away from fossil fuels while reviewing oil extraction
methodology .
GOVERNOR'S TRANSPORTATION BUDGET
The Governor ’s budget provides a total of $22 .4 billion from all fund
sources for the state ’s transportation departments and programs in
2021 ‑22 . This is a net decrease of $3 .1 billion , or 13 percent , fewer
estimated expenditures for the current year . Specifically , the budget
includes $14 .5 billion for the California Department of Transportation ,
$612 million for the High -Speed Rail Authority , $2 .7 billion for the
California Highway Patrol (CHP ), $1 .4 billion for the Department of Motor
Vehicles (DMV ), $822 million for transit assistance , and $1 .8 billion for
various other transportation programs .
Based on a forecasted need of 1 .8 million new homes by 2025 , the Senate
introduced a housing package called the “Building Opportunities for All ”
Senate Housing Package . It is the goal of this housing package for each
bill to individually address a variety of causes that have contributed to
the lack of housing production in the state .
TRANSPORTATION & PUBLIC WORKS
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
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Senate Bill 5 Enacts the Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2022 which places
a $6 .5 billion dollar bond before the voters on the November 2022 ballot to
fund affordable rental housing and homeownership programs .
SB 5 (ATKINS) AFFORDABLE HOUSING BOND ACT OF 2022
SB 8 (SKINNER) HOUSING CRISIS ACT OF 2019
Senate Bill 8 extends the provisions of SB 330 , the Housing Crisis Act of
2019 , until 2030 . This bill adds clarifying language to ensure the intent of
SB 330 to streamline the production of housing that meets a local
jurisdiction ’s existing zoning and other rules is met .
Senate Bill 6 authorizes residential development on existing lots currently
zoned for commercial office and retail space such as strip malls or large
“big box ” retail spaces . This bill requires the development of residential
units be at a minimum density to accommodate affordable housing and
abide by existing local planning and development ordinances .
SB 6 (CABALLERO) THE NEIGHBORHOOD HOMES ACT: LOCAL
PLANNING: HOUSING: COMMERCIAL ZONES
SB 7 (ATKINS) THE HOUSING + JOBS EXPANSION & EXTENSION
ACT: ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY: JOBS AND ECONOMIC
IMPROVEMENT THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL LEADERSHIP ACT
OF 2021
The Housing + Jobs Expansion & Extension Act – Senate Bill 7 seeks to
improve the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA ) process by
extending and expanding provisions of AB 900 , which streamlined
paperwork and expedited legal challenges to large , multi -benefit housing ,
energy , and manufacturing projects . This bill extends the 2021 ‘sunset ’ of
AB 900 , which created jobs and investment in the state , through 2026 .
SB 9 (ATKINS) CALIFORNIA HOUSING OPPORTUNITY &
MORE EFFICIENCY (HOME) ACT: HOUSING DEVELOPMENT:
APPROVALS
California Housing Opportunity & More Efficiency (HOME ) Act - Senate Bill 9
promotes neighborhood -scale residential development by streamlining the
process for a homeowner to create a duplex or subdivide an existing lot in
residential areas . This bill builds on the approach of Accessory Dwelling
Units (ADUs ) and expands options for homeowners .
SB 10 (WIENER) PLANNING AND ZONING: HOUSING
DEVELOPMENT: DENSITY
Senate Bill 10 allows cities to upzone areas close to job centers , transit , and
existing urbanized areas to allow up to ten units without having to go
through the lengthy CEQA process .269
The California Drought , Water , Parks , Climate , Coastal Protection , and
Outdoor Access For All Act of 2018 , approved by the voters as Proposition
68 at the June 5 , 2018 , statewide primary direct election , authorizes the
issuance of bonds in the amount of $4 ,100 ,000 ,000 pursuant to the State
General Obligation Bond Law to finance a drought , water , parks , climate ,
coastal protection , and outdoor access for all program . This bill would
enact the Wildfire Prevention , Safe Drinking Water , Drought Preparation ,
and Flood Protection Bond Act of 2022 , which , if approved by the voters ,
would authorize the issuance of bonds in the amount of $5 ,595 ,000 ,000
pursuant to the State General Obligation Bond Law to finance projects for a
wildfire prevention , safe drinking water , drought preparation , and flood
protection program .
PUBLIC SAFETY
SB 45 (PORTANTINO) WILDFIRE PREVENTION, SAFE DRINKING
WATER, DROUGHT PREPARATION, AND FLOOD PROTECTION
BOND ACT OF 2022
AB 1397 (GARCIA) PUBLIC CONTRACTS: CALIFORNIA LITHIUM
ECONOMY ACT
The California Lithium Economy Act would revise the definition of “eligible
materials ” to include lithium , commencing January 1 , 2023 . The bill would
require an awarding authority , by January 1 , 2025 , to require the successful
bidder for a contract that includes electric vehicles to be provided as part
of that contract , to disclose the sources of lithium used in the manufacture
of the electric vehicles ’ batteries . The bill would also require , by January 1 ,
2035 , that at least 35 % of the lithium used in electric vehicle batteries
pursuant to a contract under the act be produced in California . The Salton
Sea Known Geothermal Resource Area is home to the largest deposits of
lithium in North America , with the potential to supply more than one -third
of worldwide lithium demand , according to experts . Accelerating lithium
development at the Salton Sea Known Geothermal Resource Area could
anchor a domestic battery supply chain . Developing lithium from the Salton
Sea Known Geothermal Resources Area could also enable the creation of
numerous revenue streams from California ’s enormous purchasing power .
ENVIRONMENT
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This bill would require the commissions for the County of Imperial and the
County of Riverside to conduct and publish on their internet websites a
joint study of voting rights in the Imperial Irrigation District , options for
providing electricity in the Imperial Irrigation District , and options for
alternative governance structures for the Imperial Irrigation District board
of directors , as specified . The bill would make the joint study contingent
upon funding by the Legislature and would require the study to be
published no later than 18 months after receipt of funds from the
Legislature . By imposing new duties on the specified local agency
formation commissions , the bill would impose a state -mandated local
program .
A dditionally , this bill would require the membership of the board of
directors of the Imperial Irrigation District to increase from 5 to 6 members ,
with the additional director being a nonvoting member with all of the other
rights as the existing directors and meeting certain qualifications . The bill
would require the nonvoting director to be appointed by the county
supervisor who represents the largest amount of population in the
electrical service area . The bill would require the nonvoting director to
serve a term of 4 years . The bill would require the nonvoting director to
represent the electrical service area and to live in the service area at the
time of their appointment and throughout their tenure on the board , and if
the nonvoting director relocates outside of the electrical service area , the
director 's membership on the board would terminate and a new member
would be required to be appointed . The bill would require that , if the
Imperial Irrigation District no longer serves electricity to the electrical
service area , the nonvoting director 's membership on the board terminate ,
and membership of the board of directors decrease from 6 to 5 .
A B 1021 (MAYES) IMPERIAL IRRIGATION DISTRICT
G OVERNOR'S PROPOSED 21-22 STATE BUDGET
$372 million for the administration of vaccines across all 58 counties .
$2 .4 billion for the Golden State Stimulus - a $600 state payment to low -
income workers who were eligible to receive the Earned Income Tax
Credit in 2019 , as well as 2020 Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
(ITIN ) filers .
Governor Gavin Newsom submitted his 2021 -22 State Budget proposal on
January 8 , 2021 , to the Legislature – a $227 .2 billion fiscal blueprint that
provides funding for immediate COVID -19 response and relief efforts with
claims to target Californians who need it most while making investments
for an equitable , inclusive and broad -based economic recovery . The
following is an overview while noting it is subject to change before
approval .
COVID-19 RECOVERY
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$575 million grants to small businesses and small non -profit cultural
institutions disproportionately impacted by the pandemic .
$70 million to provide immediate and targeted fee relief for small
businesses including personal services and restaurants .
$2 billion targeted specifically to support and accelerate safe returns to
in -person instruction starting in February , with priority for returning the
youngest children (transitional kindergarten through 2nd grade ) and
those with the greatest needs first .
$1 .1 billion immediate relief for small businesses
$777 .5 million for a California Jobs Initiative to provide incentives
targeted at accelerating investment and job creation .
The Budget proposes an overall $353 million investment in workforce
development . It includes a $250 million one -time General Fund to
support workforce development and better linkages between higher
education and gainful employment .
The Budget includes the creation of a new Office of Health Care
Affordability .
The Budget proposes to implement the California Advancing and
Innovating Medi -Cal (CalAIM ) initiative to reduce variation and
complexity in the state ’s Medi -Cal program , manage member risk and
need and improve outcomes through payment reform .
Through Project Homekey – a nation -leading effort to acquire motels for
homeless housing to respond to the COVID -19 pandemic – the state has
awarded $846 million to 51 local agencies to secure over 6 ,000 units of
permanent housing for individuals and families who had been homeless .
The Budget includes $1 .75 billion one -time General Fund to purchase
additional motels , develop short -term community mental health
facilities and purchase or preserve housing dedicated to seniors .
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P O L I C Y P O S I T I O N S
The City of La Quinta supports economic development policies and
funding mechanisms that foster a hospitable and thriving business
environment .
Considering budget shortfalls , the City supports public -private
development opportunities that encourage economic activity and
promote health and wellness within the City .
The City supports retaining financial flexibility and authority with
regard to redevelopment dissolution matters .
Opposes measures that would make the City more dependent on the
State for financial stability .
Supports legislation that facilitates the recoupment of City costs
derived from State and Federal mandates .
E CONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
FINANCE
The City of La Quinta is a charter city that relies on contract services to
provide efficient service delivery .
Opp oses any change in revenue allocations that would negatively affect
local governments .
Opposes any action that would preempt local control over locally
imposed taxes and other funding sources .
Oppose any unfunded mandates .273
Supports legislation that develops programs to increase housing
opportunities to meet growing demand in our area .
S upports legislative efforts that provide incentives to local governments
and private developers to develop additional housing opportunities
including affordable housing for low -income and disabled seniors ,
adults , and veterans .
H OUSING
TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE
The City of La Quinta supports measures that provide financing tools for
increasing effective , clean transportation .
Su pp orts clean energy alternatives that are adequately funded .
Su pports State clean energy programs that are financially viable and
direct funding to local government to invest in clean energy .
The City of La Quinta supports developing vital infrastructure and
streamlining the local , state , and federal process for infrastructure
development to better meet local needs .
Supports legislation that strengthens local authority over land use and
infrastructure development .
E NVIRONMENT
The City of La Quinta supports the preservation of our environment .
Supports financial incentives for water reuse and legislation that
encourages the treatment of municipal wastewater for non -potable
reuse and promotes the development of reasonable regulations to
encourage and maximize the responsible use of reclaimed water as an
alternative to California ’s fresh water supply .
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PUBLIC SAFETY
TOURISM
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JANUARY: THE PREVIOUS YEAR ’S LAWS GO INTO EFFECT DURING THIS MONTH .
LEGISLATURE RECONVENES TO DISCUSS THE NEW YEAR OF LEGISLATION
AHEAD , AND ALL BILL REQUESTS MUST BE SUBMITTED BEFORE THE END OF
THE MONTH . BUDGETS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY THE GOVERNOR DURING THE
BEGINNING PORTION OF THE MONTH .
F EBRUARY : THE LAST DAY FOR BILLS TO BE INTRODUCED OCCURS ON
FEBRUARY 19 .
M ARCH : SPRING RECESS UPON ADJOURNMENT . MARCH 25 – APRIL 5 .
A PRIL : LAST DAY FOR POLICY COMMITTEES TO HEAR AND REPORT TO FISCAL
COMMITTEES FISCAL BILLS BEING INTRODUCED , APRIL 30 .
M AY : POLICY COMMITTEES MUST REPORT NON -FISCAL BILLS BY MAY 7 . POLICY
COMMITTEES ARE GIVEN THEIR LAST DAY TO MEET BEFORE CONVENING IN
JUNE NEAR THE END OF THIS MONTH AND REPORT FLOOR BILLS FOR THEIR
HOUSE .
J UNE : FLOOR SESSION CONDUCTED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MONTH , THE
LAST DAY FOR BILLS TO BE PASSED OUT OF THE HOUSE OF ORIGIN OCCURS ,
AND THE COMMITTEE MEETINGS RESUME . ALL BUDGETS MUST BE PASSED BY
THE MIDDLE OF THE MONTH .
J ULY : THE LAST DAY FOR POLICY COMMITTEES TO MEET AND REPORT BILLS
OCCURS DURING THE MONTH BEFORE SUMMER RECESS BEGINS , JULY 16 –
AUGUST 16 .
A UGUST : LEGISLATURE RECONVENES FROM SUMMER RECESS . THE LAST DAY
FOR FISCAL COMMITTEES TO REPORT BILLS TO THE FLOOR OCCURS AT THE
END OF THE MONTH . FLOOR SESSION BEGINS AT THE END OF THE MONTH AS
WELL .
S EPTEMBER : THE LAST DAY TO AMEND BILLS ON THE FLOOR OCCURS AT THE
BEGINNING OF THE MONTH , WITH THE LAST DAY FOR EACH HOUSE TO PASS
BILLS OCCURRING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MONTH . INTERIM STUDY RECESS
BEGINS SHORTLY AFTER . ADDITIONALLY , OCTOBER 10 IS THE LAST DAY FOR
GOVERNOR TO SIGN OR VETO BILLS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATURE BEFORE
SEPTEMBER 10 AND ARE IN THE GOVERNOR 'S POSSESSION ON OR AFTER
SEPTEMBER 10 .
M O N T H L Y O V E R V I E W
L E G I S L A T I V E
C A L E N D A R 2 0 2 1
B E L O W I S A N O V E R V I E W T H A T
S U M M A R I Z E S M A J O R L E G I S L A T I V E
E V E N T S A N D K E Y D A T E S T H A T O C C U R
M O N T H T O M O N T H .
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